Food shortages in Ebola-hit nations due to travel bans

Travel and trade restrictions in West Africa could heighten shortages of food and basic supplies in affected areas, the World Health Organisation has warned.

Experts said Ebola-hit countries including Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea were already starting to suffer as fuel, food and basic supplies struggle to get through due to border closures and restrictions.

Violent clashes erupted in the West Point slum of Liberia's capital Monrovia yesterday after authorities quarantined the entire neighbourhood Credit: Reuters

Violent clashes erupted in the West Point slum of Liberia's capital Monrovia yesterday after authorities quarantined the entire neighbourhood, and riot police were called to stop people trying to escape.

Today, police were there again, beating back some locals with canes as hundreds of people fought for a share of water and rice delivered on trucks.

Aid workers helped distribute the rations, but many are still going hungry.